vintage Archives - Haute Time

Throwback Thursday: Jaeger-LeCoultre Deep Sea Alarm

Few vintage watches possess such a flair as the (Jaeger-)LeCoultre Deep Sea Alarm. Although over sixty years old, it combines an exciting complication with a captivating design, housed in a case with a very contemporary diameter of 39mm. It is a true rarity, not only because diving watches with an alarm function are seldomly seen, but also because Jaeger-LeCoultre made this model for only three years, between 1959 and 1962. It was launched as Jaeger-LeCoultre in Europe, while this American version only carried the name of LeCoultre.

By Martin Green

Throwback Thursday: Heuer Single Button Chronograph Ref.2403

(TAG) Heuer's heritage in the field of chronographs not only runs deep but also goes back for more than a century. Already around 1880, the firm was making this complication, and this rare single button Ref.2403 from about 1930 shows that they were also among the first to introduce it in wristwatches. What makes this watch even more remarkable is the refinement with which it is made.

Gooding & Company Presents Star Cars Available For Auction At 70th Edition Of Pebble Beach Concourse D’Elegance

With the 70th Edition of the Concourse D'Elegance at Pebble Beach set to kick-off this week, it should come as no surprise that a bevy of star cars will be at the forefront of available auctions.

Throwback Thursday: Heuer Autavia GMT

When people think of a vintage sports watch with a second timezone, the Rolex GMT-master is often one that comes to mind first. However, there have been more imposing sports watches with this complication, like the Heuer Autavia GMT. The one we have here is from around 1970 and part of the second generation of reference 2446, with its distinct red chronograph hand, larger registers, and fluted pushers.

Meet A Rare Giant: Rolex Ref. 4113 ‘Split-Seconds’

Some vintage watches hold the power to elevate your heartbeat whenever you see it. Such a watch is the Rolex Ref.4113' Split-Seconds.' Made in extremely limited numbers, with the one featured in this article leaving the Rolex manufacture in 1942, in the midst of World War II, it is a watch unlike any other. Many things contribute to its unique character, starting with the diameter of its stainless steel case, which is 44mm. For a watch made in the mid-1940s, this is not large but huge.

Four Vintage Rolex To Die For

Few things are as fiercely collected as vintage Rolex. The demand for these watches has been on the rise for quite some time now and has resulted in many record-breaking auction results. The appeal of a vintage Rolex cannot only be found in their high build quality, timeless design, and excellent pedigree, but also in the fact that many of their models have become benchmarks within the industry in their respective categories. That makes vintage Rolex in general, and the following four especially, to die for.

The ‘Waxing’ Appeal Of Vintage Moon Phase Watches

A display that tells the current phase of the moon is among one of the earliest complications that were added to a watch. In today's world, not many people have a particular need to know the exact phase of the moon, but in the past, it played a far more significant role in everyday life. While the importance of this complication has changed over the years, its appeal hasn't. Even on modern watches, a moon phase indicator is among one of the most popular complications, yet a vintage watch with this feature has an appeal of its own.

Unusual Vintage Rolex Watches That Sold Big At Auction

By and large, Rolex watches have established themselves as icons in the fine timepiece space by sticking to signature design hallmarks while continuously improving. The improvements have occurred gradually over the years and the brand’s evolutionary rather than revolutionary approach has certainly paid off. This method probably explains why when a Rolex oddball shows up on the auction block, it will likely turn heads and open wallets

Zenith El Primero: The Legend That Keeps On Going

While there are quite a few watches that command the status of an icon, there are fewer movements that can do the same. Even when they can do that, the vast majority is only known among a group of very dedicated collectors and no so much to the mainstream consumers. There is, however, an exception to this rule. A name that is often used synonymously for both the movement, as well as the watch that it powers: Zenith's El Primero!

Four Favorite Vintage Rolex

Rolex is one of the most extraordinary brands in the world. While many of its models started their life as so-called 'tool watches,' build for a particular purpose, they grew to become the pinnacle of luxury. This has resulted in a very rich history of remarkable models, in which calling favorites is not an easy task, but at least it is delightful to do!

Nearly Vintage: Omega De Ville Central Tourbillon

When you mention the name Omega, many people will think of the Speedmaster, co-axial escapements and James Bond. Tourbillons are usually not the first things that come to mind, yet it was Omega who surprised by introducing in 1994 the world's first watch with a central tourbillon.

Throwback Thursday: Rolex ‘Padellone’ Ref.8171

While for non-Italian speakers the nickname 'Padellone' sounds beautiful, it is used to describe a large frying pan, and that is not something you expect in relation to one of the most beautiful watches Rolex ever made; Reference 8171.

Throwback Thursday: Omega Cosmic

There is something about a triple calendar with a moon phase. Especially with vintage watches, such a dial configuration gives a watch something extra. In the past, a few watches of this type have reached celebrity status, and one of them is the Omega Cosmic.

Talking Shop With WatchBox Founders About Empowering Collectors And The Industry

In a very short period of time WatchBox has not only expanded globally but also made quite some waves in the world of watchmaking, not only with collectors but also with the brands themselves. "We are at a turning point, times are changing" said Danny Govberg, CEO of Govberg Jewelers, when we met him and the other founders of WatchBox recently in Geneva.

Throwback Thursday: 1920’s Cartier Tortue Monopoussoir

Cartier has a very rich watchmaking history. The majority of the watches that they made, especially in the earlier years of La Maison, have always been remarkably uncomplicated. It was their refined case shapes, matched with classic, elegant dials that were the focus. But there are exceptions to this, like this Cartier Tortue Monopoussoir from 1929.

Throwback Thursday: Blancpain Fifty Fathoms “No Radiations”

As a diving watch pioneer, the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms is one of those watches that always get special attention from many watch connoisseurs. This goes for the current collection, but even more so of the vintage pieces, like this Fifty Fathoms "No Radiations".

Throwback Thursday: “New Old Stock” Vacheron Constantin Chronograph

It is not uncommon to remake something decades after it was first launched....at least, in the car world. Aston Martin did it not too long ago with the DB4GT, and Jaguar just announced that it will make another 25 D-Types, which they stopped producing in 1956. In the watch world, this is a bit more uncommon, yet Vacheron Constantin did something similar with this chronograph in 1990, at the request of a client.